Volkswagen Vanagon GL Syncro

Volkswagen’s third-generation transporter was introduced in 1979. Designated “T3,” it was known as “Caravelle” in Europe and “T25” in the United Kingdom. In the United States it was sold as the “Vanagon,” a successor to the Microbus and Kombi that had become cult cars in their heyday. Initially built with the legendary four-cylinder air-cooled boxer engine, it was converted to water cooling in 1983, for better emission control and engine management.

A major upgrade was conducted for 1986, with more fabric choices, a redesigned air conditioning system, a larger engine, an upgraded management system, and a new design transmission, available for the first time with Syncro all-wheel drive. The last of the rear-engine Volkswagens, the T3 was discontinued in 1992, although a version continued to be manufactured in South Africa until 2002.

The Dingman Collection’s Volkswagen Vanagon is the top-level GL model with five-speed manual transmission and Syncro all-wheel drive. A water-cooled, 2.1-liter model, it is equipped with air conditioning and power steering and brakes; it also has cloth-faced seating for seven and a cassette AM/FM stereo radio.

This car was auctioned off by RM Auctions in June of 2012 at the Dingman Collection, Hampton, New Hampshire.